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5 minutes
"I’ve gained so much confidence and begun to believe in myself..."
Blayk McStay (they/theirs/them)
Blayk was a Home Group customer then hospitality apprentice at the Tyneside Foyer in Newcastle and is now a bank worker in our supported services.
I am non binary and my pronouns are they/theirs/ them. I see myself as a unique soul, rather than a gendered soul.
I was in a rut in my second year at college; I wasn’t enjoying it and felt lost. I had money worries and my benefits had stopped due to my age. I had no work experience and was hearing nothing back from endless amounts of job applications. I was encouraged to join the study programme at Tyneside Foyer and then to apply for an apprenticeship.
I put my best ‘smart casual’ outfit on and kept my head held high; this was a new opportunity for me and I was beyond excited! After the interview I felt optimistic and I got a call back and began my induction.
I’ve gained so much confidence and begun to believe in myself; I’m on the right path and that self-doubt has become self-appreciation due to all the support I’ve had. It’s a great company to work for; there’s a brilliant inclusive culture and individuals are really celebrated for who they are. I’ve worked with colleagues to help them feel comfortable asking questions about pronouns and identity.
I have had exciting experiences from job-shadowing with the involvement team to doing photoshoots for the marketing team; these experiences have kept me on my toes and supported me on my journey to adulthood.
My eyes have been opened and I now realise that I am capable of so much. I have skills to offer to future employers and I don’t have to change being me.
